Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in drone technology by unveiling the world’s smallest and lightest solar-powered drone. Developed by a team at Beihang University, the CoulombFly drone weighs a mere 4.21 grams and boasts a wingspan of just 20 centimeters.
Unlike its predecessors, which often face limitations in flight duration, the CoulombFly can soar indefinitely as long as it has access to sunlight. This remarkable capability is attributed to its innovative electrostatic motor, which overcomes the efficiency losses that traditional electromagnetic motors experience at smaller scales. The electrostatic motor enables the tiny drone to generate sufficient lift, revolutionizing how micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) can be powered and operated.
A key component of this technological leap is the lightweight boost converter invented by the team. This converter is capable of increasing the voltage from less than 100 volts to as high as 9,000 volts, achieving a step-up ratio 92 percent higher than similar technology developed at Stanford University. The high-voltage current produced is essential for driving the voltage-intensive electrostatic motor.
The researchers envision a future where swarms of these insect- and bird-sized MAVs could be deployed for a variety of applications, including photography, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring. While the current prototype carries limited payloads, the team is optimistic that future advancements will enhance the drone’s capacity and broaden its practical uses.
Their pioneering work has been published online in the journal Nature, highlighting the global significance of this development. The team is already planning the next phase of their research, aiming to build an even smaller drone weighing only 9 milligrams with a wingspan of just 8 centimeters.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
